Manifold Markets

Manifold Markets is a unique prediction market platform that uses a proprietary currency called Mana (M$) for trading rather than real money. This allows the platform to operate without financial regulation while enabling users to create markets on nearly any question imaginable — from sports outcomes to personal life decisions to niche community topics. Founded in 2021, Manifold has attracted a dedicated community of forecasters who value its openness and creativity.

The play-money model has both advantages and drawbacks. On the positive side, it removes barriers to participation (no financial risk, no need for crypto wallets or bank accounts), enables markets on low-volume topics that wouldn't attract enough real money to function, and allows experimentation with market mechanisms. On the negative side, the absence of financial stakes means participants have weaker incentives to be accurate, and prices may be less reliable than financially-motivated markets.

Manifold has introduced a hybrid system allowing real-money prizes ("Sweepstakes" mode) for certain markets in eligible jurisdictions, bridging the gap between pure play-money and regulated financial markets. The platform also enables charity donations using earned Mana, adding a prosocial dimension to participation.